Extra funding for Tax Appeals Commission must be backed up by real reform – McGrath

Following the announcement made in Budget 2019 that the Tax Appeals Commission is to receive an extra €2.9 million to tackle the backlog of cases, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Finance Michael McGrath TD has welcomed the development but has emphasised that this funding must be backed up by real reform.

Deputy McGrath has been consistently raising with the Minister the growing backlog of cases before the Appeals Commission.

Commenting, Deputy McGrath said that, “The Tax Appeals Commission plays an important role in the administration of tax in Ireland. Not only does the Commission hold the Revenue Commissioners to account for the decisions they make, it also adds transparency, certainty and fairness. It is critical that, when businesses and individuals bring appeals to the Commission, they are heard in a timely and efficient manner. Companies looking to invest in Ireland consider not only the tax rates that apply here but also at how tax is administered and collected.

“Fianna Fáil has been highlighting for quite some time the growing problems within the Commission that have led to huge backlogs in appeals. As of July of this year, 3,312 appeals were outstanding with the Commission amounting to a staggering €1.7 billion. This remains a monumental challenge for the Commission and it is welcome that the Minister announced extra funding in last week’s Budget.

“However, it would be a mistake to assume that funding in itself will solve the problem. The report published on Budget Day makes some twenty five recommendations ranging from governance issues to resource issues to legislative issues.

“The Minister needs to follow up on his announcement last week and set out a clear timetable for addressing these recommendations. It is critical that Ireland has a transparent tax system with certainty at its core”, concluded McGrath.